Come and explore Central Florida parks & Orlando gardens. There
are many different kinds to explore within the Orlando area.
If you're looking for a perfect spot for a quiet picnic or stroll, or
maybe you want to try canoing or cycling through scenic trails - you
can find a park or garden here.

Florida Parks & Gardens: Small Parks

Leu Gardens Orlando

A shady path at Leu Gardens Orlando

Leu Gardens is a 50 acre Botanical Garden located just minutes from
downtown Orlando. It features a historic museum house, rose gardens,
citrus orchards and a lake where you can spot wildlife

Lake Eola Park is an oasis of calm and greenery amid the vast sprawl of
the city of Orlando. Lake Eola Park hosts many events throughout the
year including art festivals and performances of Shakespeare.

Florida Parks: State Parks

DeLeon Springs State Park

Located approximately one hour north of Orlando, DeLeon Springs State
Park has quiet streams and natural springs to explore by foot or by
boat. American Bald Eagles are frequently spotted here as well as
Anhingas, Egrets and turtles.

Why not pack a picnic and an inner tube and relax in the warm 72F
spring waters?

Wekiwa Springs is a hidden gem amongst all the
Florida parks. Florida's fresh water comes from underground springs
that rush through the state's underlying limestone base, or aquifer.
Often, those springs bubble to the surface. You can see how it all
works at this 7,000-acre park where the waters are crystal clear and
stay at a comfortable 72 degrees all year. At this scenic spot, (the
headwaters of the Wekiwa (pronounced wahk-EYE-vah) River), you can
hike, camp, fish, go canoeing and, if you're lucky, spot some wildlife.

Blue Springs State Park is perfect on a hot summers day. The
refreshingly cool springs are always at 72 degrees and are crystal
clear. Great for swimming, snorkelling and even diving. The park has
camping facilities, guided tours, picknicking areas and miles of hiking
and cycling trails. (This is a popular Florida park, so be sure to
arrive early. On busy days the park will close if capacity is full).

It is also a refuge for manatees. They return to the park every winter,
you can see them anytime between November and April.

One of 13 lakes connected by the Palatlakaha River, Lake Louisa sits in
a 4,000-plus-acre park that also contains the Green Swamp. The various
environments offer a variety of nature activities. Swim, hike,
bird-watch, picnic, fish, canoe or take part in the nature-study events
offered. Wildlife is abundant, so keep your eyes open during your
travels. If you own a horse, you're welcome to bring it along; the park
boasts a number of equestrian trails. Admission: $4.

Guests visiting this 6000-acre park will enjoy fishing, picnicking,
camping and bird watching, as well as 13 miles of winding hiking
trails. Fish for bass, catfish or other fish, or relax in one of 60
campsites. With over 200 species of birds and 50 species of plants,
this park offers great outdoor relaxation. All campsites offer electric
and water hookups.

14248 Camp Mack Road
Lake Wales, FL 33853
Tel: +1 863 696 1112

Florida Parks: Historical
Parks & Preserves

Gateway to Fort Christmas with old Florida Oak trees

Fort
Christmas Historical Park

Although it sits on only 25 acres, this spot offers visitors the chance
to get involved in some active recreation and to explore Florida's
historic past. The park's centerpiece is a replica of a fort built on
Christmas day, 1837, to protect European settlers during their war with
the Seminole Tribe. An on-site museum houses military and Seminole
artefacts. The site also houses a restored pioneer home and sugarcane
mill, both graced with historical farming equipment. Once you've soaked
in your fill of history, have some fun on the basketball, volleyball
and tennis courts located in the park.

For an all-day getaway, consider a trip to this lovely spot. The park
offers nearly 9000 acres of unspoiled Florida wilderness. Hike miles of
trails along the scenic Econlockhatchee River and perhaps spot some of
Florida's famous wildlife along the way. If you prefer more active
recreation, consider making use of the preserve's off-road bicycling
trails, fishing spots and horse trails. If you want to spend the night,
the preserve does offer camping facilities (tents only). The park is
located one mile west of SR 520 on Maxim, to Bancroft, South to
Paddock, West to Dallas; follow signs.

Marlboro Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32810
Tel: +1 407 836 6200

Howell
Branch Nature Preserve and Park

This 52-acre preserve offers a meandering nature trail perfect for
quiet hikes. Stroll through wetlands, taking in the educational
displays that dot the path. You may encounter native Florida birds,
such as herons and egrets, and, if you're lucky, a deer or two. Leashed
pets are allowed. All in all, this is a nice spot for a one or two hour
getaway.

This 440-acre preserve offers opportunities for the whole family to
learn about Florida's fragile ecosystem. The on-site Vera Carter
Environment Center houses a variety of exhibits on local flora and
fauna, and also hosts a plethora of environmental programs, many of
them geared toward children. If you're looking for a great way to spend
a lazy day, consider a stroll down the miles of trails offered on the
preserve, which meanders through pristine wilderness.